On the Aegean island of Paros, off the coast of Greece, garden designer Carolyn Chadwick created a coastal garden with waves of plantings to emulate the blue waves below.
To capitalize on sea views from the house, Netherlands-based Chadwick created a series of undulating garden beds filled with plants such as lavender, cacti, and ornamental grasses that require little water even in a sunny, hot climate. With an emphasis on blue and white plants, the garden's colors echo the colors of the water on the horizon.
Photographs via Carolyn Chadwick.
Above: Overlooking the garden, the house has typical Greek whitewashed walls to reflect midday sun. To create the same look, see "DIY: Whitewashed Greek Walls."
Above: The unobstructed sea view, from the house.
Above: Agapanthus, a native of South Africa, is drought resistant.
Above: A stone terrace surrounded by blue, white, and purple flowers also has views of the sea.
Above: Smooth local rock creates a seating arrangement on the terrace.
Above: Paths of crushed stone edged with irregularly shaped rocks meander through the garden, where plantings are kept low to avoid blocking sea views.
Above: A rose under a hot sun.
Above: Agapanthus buds, daisies, lavender, and ornamental grasses.
Above: The front of the house, and garage, face inland, with a pergola-shaded terrace to provide shade.
For another of our favorite seaside gardens, see Rustic Living on the Beach in Uruguay. For more Greek garden secrets see 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Greece.
N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published August 12, 2012.
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